It further goes on to read: "LaVine is viewed by some within the organization as the safer option. At 29, he’s five and a half years younger and some $6 million cheaper than Butler this season, though his contract extends longer and he’s had some recent health concerns. There are risks all over the board."

With the Jimmy Butler situation still uncomfortable and unresolved, the Memphis Grizzlies are "lurking" and have "been in contact" with the Miami Heat, according to ESPN's Tim Bon

The Bulls haven't made a trade deadline deal since 2021 when they sent Wendell Carter Jr. and two first-round picks in exchange for Nikola Vucevic. Chief executive Arturas Karnisovas can't afford to continue that inactivity for a third time.